Hydrogen maser, recovery and performance life extension of magnetic discharge pumps

The paper considers the aspects of functioning, improvement, and performance life extension of the hydrogen maser, Ch1-70 measure, and measures to maintain its metrological characteristics at a high level. When using quantum generators, there is a need for complex maintenance of one of the key elements of the maser – the magnetic discharge ion-getter pump. Practical aspects of technical maintenance of one of the key elements of the hydrogen maser, Ch1-70 measure, which uses magnetic discharge ion-getter pumps, are considered. The design, principle of operation, and main technical characteristics of this type of pumps are described. The condition of the pumps after long-term operation is analysed, typical defects such as the formation of titanium powder, cathode production, and deterioration of dielectric properties of insulators are identified. Measures to restore the pumps have been developed and implemented, including cleaning and replacing the damaged components and checking the vacuum parameters. The results of experimental studies have confirmed the restoration of short-term instability of frequency and other metrological characteristics of the Ch1-70 measure. Ways to further improving the equipment to extend the term of its use and optimize metrological parameters are proposed, in particular, a magnetic discharge ion-heterodyne pump of the Ch1-70 measure. The design and principle of operation of the magnetic discharge ion-heterodyne pump, as well as the design and principle of operation of this type of pumps, as part of the Ch1-70 measure, are presented. The condition of the equipment has been analysed, measures to restore metrological characteristics of the Ch1-70 measure and other time and frequency measurement standards of this type have been proposed and implemented. Ways to further improving the metrological characteristics and extending the performance life of the hydrogen maser, Ch1-70 measure, are presented.